Zambelli served in Gov. Mario Cuomo’s administration from 1985 to 1994, including as his Secretary to the Governor, the administration’s highest position, from 1991 to 1994. (Facebook)

ALBANY — Andrew Zambelli, who served as a top aide to Govs. Mario and Andrew Cuomo, died Friday. He was 70.

There was no immediate cause of death given, but those close to him said Zambelli had been battling cancer in recent months.

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Zambelli served in Gov. Mario Cuomo’s administration from 1985 to 1994, including as his Secretary to the Governor, the administration’s highest position, from 1991 to 1994.

He came to the Cuomo administration after working for Lt. Gov. Alfred DelBello, who won despite not being Cuomo’s choice for his running mate. DelBello quit mid-term after being frozen out by Cuomo. But Zambelli struck up a friendship with Cuomo’s son and advisor, Andrew.

After Mario Cuomo lost to George Pataki in 1994, Zambelli spent 15 years as a consultant and principal for Strategic Frameworking, Inc. and Summit Strategy Group, LLC, where he was a market strategy and research consultant to corporate, political and non-profit clients.

He returned to government service in 2011 after Andrew Cuomo was elected governor.

Zambelli joined the younger Cuomo’s administration as a senior policy and communications adviser. He continued to serve as a counselor to the governor before leaving shortly into Cuomo’s second term in 2015.

He rejoined his Summit Strategy Group but stayed close to Cuomo.

Despite battling cancer, Zambelli remained involved in Cuomo’s reelection campaign this year. He continued to poll for the governor right up to shortly before his death, those close to the administration said.

“Today we mourn the loss of a great public servant, a brilliant political mind and our dear friend Drew Zambelli, who died (Friday) morning,” Cuomo said.

Cuomo called Zambelli, his friend of more than 35 years, “more than just an adviser to my father and me—he was part of our family.”

“He spent his life helping make this state a better place and always gave it his all,” the governor said.

Zambelli had a Ph.D. in philosophy and psychology from SUNY Stony Brook and was apostdoctorall fellow at Columbia University.

"Drew began as a brilliant scientist who chose to leave a highly promising career, stunning his peers, to enter the path of public service, because he wanted to make a difference. And he did,” Cuomo said. “He was of another era, a gentleman, humble, devoted, and selfless. He mentored countless young people who now serve the state. He lives on in them.”

Zambelli is survived by his wife, Barbara, son Drew and daughter Katie.